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Chapter 117: Elder Nie’s Retirement (Guaranteed to update once, asking for monthly ticket) 1

This time, the old patriarch personally called, highlighting the importance of the matter. For ordinary gatherings, he wouldn’t need to call himself, he could let his eldest son, Nie Jialei, or his father, Nie Guowei, make the call.

“Zhenbang, has something happened at home? Since Grandpa Nie has called, you should hurry back,” Dong Wan said while Nie Zhenbang was on the phone.

Nie Zhenbang nodded, “Then Wan, Li Xue, you two continue shopping, I’m heading back.”

He quickly drove out of the Wal-Mart parking lot and retrieved his special pass from the glove box, placing it under the windshield. He quickly entered the Forbidden City. Seeing the special pass on the car, the guards naturally saluted and let him through.

Upon entering the old patriarch’s yard, the Nie family had gathered. The old patriarch was seated in the living room, with Nie Guodong and Nie Guowei accompanying him by his side.

Last year, Nie Jialei, the oldest son and legitimate grandson of the Nie family, was also reassigned from the State Council Office. He served as the Deputy County Chief in Xiangjiang County, Lang City, Yanbei Province, which was under his father’s jurisdiction. Despite the distance of only an hour from Jingcheng, it’s considered as a reassigned post. In fact, this was the old patriarch’s way of protecting his eldest grandson; it was under his glance, in the event of any accidents, he could handle them immediately.

Upon seeing Nie Zhenbang enter, Nie Jiamin, dressed in a neat military uniform, walked out of the living room. With a subtle smile on his face, the two brothers exchanged an understanding glance and broke into a smile.

With a sturdy hug and hearty laughter, Nie Jiamin and Nie Zhenbang were unlike Nie Jialei. As the eldest son and legitimate grandson of the Nie family, Nie Jialei has always been the focus of the family’s care and training. Unlike his brothers, Nie Jialei is seen as more independent, while Nie Jiamin and Nie Zhenbang share a closer relationship without such restrictions.

Looking at the three stars on Nie Jiamin’s shoulder, Nie Zhenbang was surprised. This kid had become a captain in just five years. “Jiamin, impressive indeed. The last time I saw you, you were just a cadet. I didn’t expect you to become a captain in just two years.” Nie Zhenbang played up his veteran status.

Nie Jiamin sneered at this and retorted, “I, a cadet? I think you’ve got it wrong, old man. When I was receiving military training, you were still in the Soviet Union, or should I say, the Commonwealth now. And you’re trying to act superior before me? I think you’re asking for a beating. How about we test your Shape-Intent Fist sometime soon, you may not beat me anymore.”

Seeing the aggressive temperament of Nie Jiamin, Nie Zhenbang silently nodded. Nie Jiamin had been in the Xibei Military Region alone since his older uncle was transferred to the Jingcheng City Military District two years ago. Despite having people to look after him, it was still clear that Nie Jiamin’s promotion was due to his own efforts.

“Stop guessing. In my second year as a cadet, I was admitted to a military academy for a junior college class. Now that I’ve graduated, I just returned to the Xibei Military Region and was assigned to the Northwestern Autonomous Region Military Region.”

Seeing the two of them joking around in the yard, Nie Jialei walked out from the living room, smiling, “You two, stop dilly-dallying and come in.

Grandfather has something to say.”

They followed Nie Jialei into the living room. Nie Zhenbang and Nie Jiamin sat down next to each other while the old patriarch looked at Nie Zhenbang, nodded his head approvingly and said, “Very good. You’ve both done well. You’re true descendants of our Nie family. Your generation is much stronger than your fathers’.

Nie Guodong and Nie Guowei felt both ashamed and embarrassed by the old patriarch’s blunt comment, but his words were true. If it weren’t for the old patriarch still being here and the Nie family standing by the right faction in several confrontations, it would be incredibly difficult for Nie Guodong and Nie Guowei to attain their current positions.

A deep silence ensued. The old patriarch mulled over his words and said, “Over the past year, I don’t have the energy and strength I used to have. Now, the older generation has all stepped down. At the leader’s request, I stayed on for a few more years. Since the beginning of this year, after the leader’s Southern Inspection, the national situation has stabilized.”

Upon hearing the old patriarch’s words, Nie Zhenbang felt anxious. It seemed that the old patriarch was going to step down.

From what he could see, there shouldn’t be much change for Nie Jiamin in the third generation, as he had just graduated. As for himself, he probably would be reassigned.

Just as he was thinking, indeed, the old man changed his tone and said, “Zhenbang has been doing well in the youth committee for the past two years. Now, it’s about time for him to make a move.

As soon as the old man finished, the hall fell silent, and Nie Jialei’s face took on a peculiar expression. A mix of envy and joy, it was quite complicated.

As the rightful heir of the Nie family, the focus should be on cultivating him. Had Nie Zhenbang not emerged, there wouldn’t have been an issue with the two brothers—one in politics and one in the military—complementing each other. However, now both he and Nie Zhenbang are within the same governmental system, there is competition. The old man’s last sentence seemed to suggest that there was an intent to nurture Nie Zhenbang. This meant that the resources of the Nie family would be shared between the two.

However, since they are both members of the Nie family, if Nie Zhenbang got promoted, it would serve as motivation for him. They all share the same surname; mutual harm and mutual honor are part of the family dynamics. This was also the reason for Nie Jialei’s complex expression.

At the side, Nie Guowei pondered for a long while, and looking at his elder brother who was calm, he slowly said, “Father, you are still in good health. Why not complete this term?”

Upon hearing Nie Guowei’s words, the old man glared and felt a sense of helplessness. Among his two sons, the older one was somewhat better. However, his younger son seemed somewhat lacking.

Before the old man could reply, Nie Guodong slowly cut in: “Guowei, the current situation is not because father does not want to serve, but he has to retire due to the circumstances. After this year, he will already be eighty-five. Now, among the older generation, only our father is still in position. The commanders have already handed over the military to the top leader. You still don’t understand this?”

After a pause, Nie Guodong continued, “Given the situation, father taking the initiative to step down is much better than later. At least, our posture is clear.

Regardless, we must acknowledge the affection the Nie family has shown.”

The old man nodded and said, “Guodong understands better than you. Guowei, you are now a senior official at the provincial and ministerial level. You need to consider things on a deeper level.”

The old man’s words were very blunt and straightforward. Criticizing Nie Guowei in front of the younger Nie family members made him lose some face, but he knew it was the truth, so he didn’t dare to say much.

After a pause, the old man turned to Nie Zhenbang and said, “Zhenbang, among the three generations, your destiny has been beyond my expectations. Despite growing up among the commoners, you possess astonishing political talent. If your maternal grandfather were still alive, I’d have really wanted to converse with this extraordinary individual.”

Even now, the old man believed that all of Nie Zhenbang’s achievements were the results of his maternal grandfather’s guidance. Nie Zhenbang obviously didn’t say anything at the moment, simply nodding his head. Thinking of his grandparents and mother made him somewhat melancholic, “The child wants to support, but the parents are not there. Grandfather, you should take care of your health.”

The old man nodded. He seemed open-minded, smiling and said, “Don’t worry about my health. There are dedicated health doctors following me around in Jingcheng. I am doing very well. However, Zhenbang, what are your thoughts on being posted outside?”

Upon hearing the old man’s question, Nie Zhenbang fell into thought. Given his current rank—equivalent to a full minister—being allocated outside should mean a local township.

After some deliberation, Nie Zhenbang finally said, “Grandfather, my intention is to hope to go down and truly do something for the common people.”

The old man clearly understood the meaning of this sentence: as a full minister, wanting to go and do practical work, meant a desire to serve as the single leader of a town or village.

However, the old man smiled and said, “Zhenbang, you are generally fine, but you’re a bit too cautious. You’re at home; you can speak openly. I remember, when you first entered the house, you were able to give directions even though you were not familiar with everyone. How come you’ve become cautious now? I have arranged for you to serve as the deputy county governor in Lixian, Bazhou of the Xibei Autonomous Region. How about that?”

Upon hearing the old man’s words, Nie Zhenbang was stunned. Regarding this location, Nie Zhenbang’s mind was a complete blank. Why would the old man think of sending him there? Nie Zhenbang was somewhat confused.

PS: The following does not count as part of the official word count and does not incur any cost. I was surprised to wake up at eight and find 224 votes. Brothers and sisters, you’ve been so supportive. We are now only 34 votes behind the first place. Can we surpass? Today, after a guaranteed three updates, there will be additional updates at 150 and 200 votes. The pressure is high. Old Cai will write as much as possible, even if it means writing until midnight, I will fulfill my promise without delay. I hope you brothers and sisters can keep voting.